All-on-4 Dental Implants

Nothing lights up a room like a genuinely-felt smile. Your smile can convey connection, kindness, and happiness; it is the first thing people notice about you. In fact, when you come across someone with food stuck between their teeth, you can’t help but spot it immediately. People often hide imperfect teeth or flaws in their smiles when they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Missing one or several teeth can severely impact your personal level of happiness and ability to eat your favorite foods.

If you have several missing teeth, you might wonder what your options are for replacement. Dental implants are generally considered to be the best alternative for restoring the form and function of your smile and mouth, but some patients cannot receive them for health or other reasons.

The good news is that the All-On-4 technique is available for patients who want their missing teeth restored quickly. Dr. Khayyat is an extensively trained dentist and oral surgeon who can create natural replacements for missing teeth using the All-on-4 technique.

If you are missing several teeth, Dr. Khayyat may recommend removable dentures as a tooth replacement option. While dentures have many benefits, many patients find that they can slip or move around, regardless of adhesives. Having a dental prosthetic that moves around when you eat or speak can be disconcerting and even embarrassing. What many people don’t know is that in addition to practical problems, the bone below the gum tissue will also start to deteriorate because there is no more chewing pressure on the teeth roots to stimulate the bone to maintain itself.

With All-On-4 implants, also called “Teeth-In-One-day,” Dr. Khayyat surgically implants four dental implants into the jawbone. These will mimic the placement of permanent teeth. While individual dental implants usually have a dental crown attached to the implant, with All-On-4 implants, an entire denture plate is secured to the implants. What this means is that in just one day, patients can leave with a set of functioning teeth while the healing process takes place. Because the implants integrate into the jaw, All-On-4 implants offer the same benefits as regular dental implants in that they stimulate and preserve the jawbone.

What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

In addition to patients being able to have teeth in one day, there are other advantages to this technology. It is particularly beneficial for patients who may have already undergone jawbone deterioration in that the implants can be placed wherever jawbone density is best. This makes All-On-4 ideal for patients who might not be able to have traditional dental implants.

Not only do these implants preserve jawbone density as well as your facial structure, but they remain secure. Unlike traditional dentures, which can shift, you can eat and speak comfortably with All-On-4 implants, knowing your teeth are not going to move. They also look natural and very similar to your natural teeth. There are economic benefits for patients as well since placing four dental implants will cost less than placing a mouthful. This is a real plus for patients who may be missing several teeth.

Are All-On-4 Implants Safe?

Yes, the process can be safe, reliable, effective, and have a high success rate. The most important aspect of the procedure is finding a highly skilled and experienced dental implant dentist. Placement of the implant angle is essential, including determining if there is enough bone structure present. If a dental implant is placed incorrectly, it may require redoing the entire procedure.

We recommend that patients check on the credentials of their dental implant dentist and examine their work with previous patients. It’s crucial to find a dental team that is transparent about your after-care treatment plan and cost of the entire implant surgery procedure. Your teeth are essential to your nutrition, appearance, and general quality of life.

Well-crafted prosthetics and implants can last you many years, and improve your self-confidence and outlook on life. For these reasons, we encourage our patients to do their homework before choosing the right dentist for them.

Bone Grafting

Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of bone loss in your mouth. Bone grafting is a procedure used to replace lost bone tissue and to encourage natural bone growth. Bone grafting can be used for a wide variety of periodontal procedures. These days, we have the ability to grow bone where needed.

There are several different types of dental bone grafts. These are the most common:

Autogenous Bone Graft: In this type of graft, the bone is removed from elsewhere in the body and implanted in the mouth. Common donor sites for grafting include the iliac section of the pelvis, the chin and the posterior third molar areas of the jaw. If large amounts of bone need to be harvested, the hip or the shin bone (tibia) are generally used.

Allograft: Synthetic bone (man-made) can be created in the laboratory and used in the bone grafting procedure. Bone can also be obtained from a bone bank (cadaver bone).Xenograft: This is the implantation of bovine (cow) bone. A xenograft is perfectly safe and has been used successfully for many years. Ample bone can be obtained and no secondary donor site is necessary.

Why do you need Bone Grafting?

There are many reasons why you may need a bone graft, but generally, the most common reason is to restore the jaw bone.

What Procedures are used with Grafting?

We use bone grafts for many periodontal procedures, but we use it most frequently in these procedures:

Dental Implants: Dental Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth; however, implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective. If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site.

Sinus Lift: A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that implants can be securely placed.

Ridge Augmentation: Ridges in the bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease. The bone graft is used to fill in the ridge and make the jawbone a uniform shape.

Bone grafts are generally performed under local anesthetic. However, if a large amount of bone needs to be grafted, general anesthetic may be required to perform the procedure.

The grafting material needs to be either harvested or prepared for insertion. A small incision is made in the gum tissue and then is gently separated from the bone. The bone grafting material is then applied to the affected site.

The gum is then sutured into place and you will be booked for a follow-up appointment to double check the healing process.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is usually performed to improve the health of the gum tissue, prepare the mouth for a procedure, or correct a “gummy smile”. A “gummy smile” is used to describe an instance where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue resulting in a less esthetically-pleasing smile. The procedure involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line.

Crown lengthening is often required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not immediately accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone.

Crown lengthening allows us to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.

About The Crown Lengthening Procedure

Crown lengthening takes approximately one hour but will largely depend on the amount of teeth involved and if any amount of bone will need to be removed. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and involves a series of small incisions around the tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the procedure, it will probably be necessary to adjust the surrounding teeth to enable a more even reshaping. In some cases, extraction of a small amount of bone will be necessary as well.

When Dr. Khayyat is satisfied that the teeth have sufficient exposure and the procedure is completed, the incisions will be cleaned with sterile water. Sutures are then placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. Your teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. The surgical site should be completely healed in approximately two to three months following the procedure. It is recommended to wait approximated 8-12 weeks following the procedure before completing final restorative procedures.

Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, you’re probably tired of the challenges missing teeth cause: Trouble chewing food thoroughly, removing food particles from your teeth, and even articulating certain words clearly. For many people, the cosmetic effects of a missing tooth are what trouble them the most.

No matter what your current situation, replacing missing teeth is one of the most effective and long-term ways to improve your healthy smile and appearance. The good news is that getting a dental implant at dental offices is a highly reliable, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

At Discovery Dental, we’re passionate about helping you restore your teeth for a worry-free, beautiful smile.

What are dental implants?

Your teeth have deep roots that keep your jawbone strong. Each tooth supports the other and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting out of place. When you lose a tooth, the bone in the empty space begins to deteriorate. Other teeth, without the tooth as support, shift over time and can move backwards in your mouth.

Oral health concerns are only part of the problem with missing teeth, however. Teeth help you chew and speak clearly, and when one or more teeth are missing, you notice difficulties in these areas. Although some people get accustomed to these challenges, the cosmetic effects of missing teeth can cause ongoing self-esteem issues in social or professional situations.

Dental implants solve all these problems. A common and highly reliable quality treatment, placing dental implants is our specialty.

A dental implant mimics your natural tooth’s roots by bonding with your jawbone. The biocompatible titanium post provides stability and bone stimulation, while a dental crown serves as the tooth’s surface. You can eat and speak normally again, fix the gap in your teeth, and be proud of your healthy smile again.

Why do so many dentists recommend dental implants?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over three million people have dental implants, with that number growing by half a million each year. Tooth decay, gum disease, and injury are the leading causes of tooth loss. A long-term, reliable solution is essential for solving the problem of bone loss and the drawbacks of removable appliances.

Dental implants preserve and build new bone, provide a long-term solution to missing teeth, and have a high success rate. Of course, your dental implant restoration also looks completely natural and matches your other teeth in size, color, and shape. Restoring your teeth with highly reliable, natural-looking artificial teeth restores your self-confidence, too.

Dr. Khayyat is a formally trained surgeon and leading dental implant expert who performs hundreds of dental implant and bone graft procedures each year. If you’re concerned about a missing tooth, call our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Khayyat is passionate about providing a positive experience for patients and educating them about all possible treatment options.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred treatment for missing teeth for good reasons:

Restores your smile cosmetically. Once your dental implant is complete, you’ll love looking younger and healthier. No more hiding the gaps in your teeth – you can smile, laugh, and speak with confidence!

Protects bone. Dental implants are the only solution to missing teeth that preserve and stimulate bone growth, preventing oral health problems and undesirable facial changes.

Long-term solution. You’ll have an artificial tooth rather than a temporary device that may not fit properly or look natural. If cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Gum Lift

When gum recession occurs, the body loses a major natural defense to bacteria. To prevent bacteria and further trauma, gum reconstruction using gum grafting may be necessary to restore form and function. Gum disease is caused by a combination of several factors, which includes: Thin gum tissue; A tooth or teeth that are malpositioned thus affecting the gum tissue; Plaque and calculus causing gingival inflammation; Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush that is too hard; Natural aging process; Mucogingival deformities.

Gum recession can also cause root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the tooth as the gum becomes exposed. Additionally, as the gum recedes, so does the bone, which can ultimately lead to more problematic issues.

What can be done?

The first way we can correct gum recession is to use the adjacent gum tissue to repair the recession. The limiting factor is how much adjacent gum tissue is available from the graft site. We can perform what is called a ‘gingival graft’ that can correct the issues you may be experiencing.

The second way is to use the patient’s own gum tissue (called an ‘autograft’) which is tissue taken from the roof of the mouth and then grafted directly to the affected area around the teeth.

The third way is to fix the recession using a grafting material called ‘AlloDerm.’ AlloDerm was introduced back in 1994 and was used initially in burn reconstruction and in head and neck plastic surgery.

Receding gums can be both unsightly and painful. The best defense for gum disease is proper brushing and flossing along with regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings. If you are unfortunate and still suffer from receding gums, seeking treatment from a periodontist is always an option.

Implant-Supported Dentures

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, at least 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. But no matter how many teeth you’ve lost, the impact on your appearance and oral function is significant.

Have you been living with multiple missing teeth and are looking for a long-term solution? Implant supported dentures, the alternative to traditional dentures, are a life-long solution to a full arch of missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, this option stimulates your jaw bone, so the health as well as the appearance of your smile can be restored simultaneously. Many patients report increased satisfaction in the stability and strength of their bite and the confidence boost from an aesthetic, new smile!

We offer several cosmetic dentistry treatments for replacing multiple missing teeth, which Dr. Khayyat can perform at our dental office. If you’re missing several teeth, we can place dental implants to support dentures or dental bridges in a treatment called implant-supported dentures or bridges. If you have multiple missing teeth in a row, dental implants can support a full denture in a treatment called full-implant denture.

Whereas traditional dentures rest on top of your gum line, implant supported dentures are anchored securely to the jaw bone with two or more implants per arch. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Khayyat will determine whether any additional procedures, including bone grafting, may be performed prior to implant placement to ensure your implants will be stable enough to support your new denture. The denture itself will snap securely in place on the implants, which will prevent it from slipping or loosening while you talk, bite, or chew.

Tooth Extractions

Having a tooth extracted doesn’t have to be stressful! Especially when you have an experienced dental team to rely on.

While it’s true that dentists generally try everything within their power to save a natural tooth, in some cases, a tooth might be unsalvageable if it’s reached the point that root canal treatment or a crown won’t be enough to save it. If there is too much damage to a tooth, your dentist might tell you an extraction is your only option—particularly if leaving the tooth in question is threatening to damage your other teeth or negatively impact your overall health.

When Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?

Dr. Khayyat typically recommends tooth extraction in these situations: Extensive tooth decay; Large crack or fracture; Tooth infected beyond what a root canal can save; Advanced gum disease has damaged a tooth; Wisdom teeth

If you need a tooth removed, our team goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort during your procedure. Dr. Khayyat has extensive experience and specialized training in tooth extraction and can make the experience efficient, comfortable, and stress-free. In addition, our team will support you throughout the entire process from start to finish. We will provide you with full instructions after the procedure to promote quick and painless healing in the days following the surgery.

When you lose a tooth that’s not a third molar (wisdom tooth), you must consider tooth replacement options to restore your smile. Dr. Khayyat also specializes in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, so he can recommend the best options for restoring your smile.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Although our ancestors needed third molars for chewing thousands of years ago, we no longer need wisdom teeth for our modern diets. Wisdom teeth are the final molars to come in and usually do so during the late teen years or early twenties. When wisdom teeth are fully erupted, meaning they have appeared above the gumline, you might not need oral surgery to have them extracted; however, most people don’t have enough room in their mouths to support third molars properly.

Some of the reasons we recommend wisdom tooth removal are:

Crowding: If you don’t have enough space for your wisdom teeth, they may begin to crown neighboring teeth and could cause tooth misalignment or other damage.

Ease: If you can’t easily brush and floss your third molars, you’re at a higher risk of developing problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Impaction: If wisdom teeth remain impacted or stuck below the gumline, they can cause an infection.

Damage: Wisdom teeth that don’t come straight into position may arrive at odd angles that could damage neighboring teeth.

If you’re experiencing these situations, an extraction procedure at our dental office may be your best option. Because wisdom teeth are not replaced after extraction, you will not have to be concerned about tooth replacement.